Public support for new tobacco control measures in Poland: A cross-sectional survey 2024.

Abstract

Introduction: This study assessed public support for new tobacco control measures in Poland, including a smoking ban on private balconies, regular tobacco tax increases, and a total ban on tobacco sales.

Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI). The 1080 adults (aged 18-82 years) were interviewed, of which 53% were females. A self-prepared questionnaire included questions on support for various tobacco control measures. The primary outcomes were levels of support for each proposed measure. Attitudes were measured using a 5-point Likert scale, and independent variables included sociodemographic factors and smoking status.

Results: The smoking ban on private balconies was supported by 44.1% of respondents, with higher support among older adults, non-smokers, and those with higher education. Support for annual tobacco tax increases was 47.1%, particularly among younger and middle-aged adults, the educated, and non-smokers. A total of 41.8% of respondents declared support for the total ban on tobacco sales. Higher education, non-smoking status, and voluntary smoke-free home rules were significantly associated (p<0.05) with higher support for all three tobacco control measures. There was no significant impact (p>0.05) of the gender, financial status, household size, and location of the place of residence on public support of analyzed tobacco control measures.

Conclusions: This study revealed that less than half of adults in Poland declare support for extensive tobacco regulations such as a smoking ban on private balconies, taxation increases, and a ban on tobacco sales. Educational level and smoking status are significantly associated with public attitudes toward tobacco control measures.